Living here in the desert, you can bet that water conservation is paramount!
But, did you know that the bathroom is the biggest water hog in your home? Toilets use about 24% of household water, and showers another 20%. But it's not just water – bathrooms also consume a lot of electricity for lighting and temperature control.
As more Tucson homeowners embrace sustainability, the bathroom is a prime spot for eco-friendly upgrades. Here’s why and how to make your bathroom greener.
Top 5 Sustainable Bathroom Features
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Smart Showerheads and Faucets
- Install low-flow fixtures to save water, gas, and electricity. Look for the WaterSense label for certified efficiency. There are also low-water and dual flush toiled available for minimum water usage.
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Radiant Heated Floors
- More efficient than baseboard or forced-air systems, radiant heating is perfect for renovations and great for allergy sufferers. You may laugh that a Tucson floor shouldn't need heat, but many of my clients add that upgrade! Desert nights can be cool!
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Lighting Upgrades
- Switch to LED bulbs for energy savings.
- Use vacancy sensors to automatically turn off lights.
- Maximize natural light with high windows for privacy and sunlight.
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Low-VOC Paints and Finishes
- Improve air quality with low-VOC paints like Benjamin Moore or Glidden Premium, especially for high-humidity areas. More and more folks are asking for "safe" homes with lower emissions, no-fragrance, etc.
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Sustainable Countertops
- Choose natural, locally-sourced materials like stone, concrete, certified porcelain tiles, or recycled glass. Avoid composites with adhesives.
By focusing on these features, you can turn your bathroom into a model of sustainability, saving resources and appealing to today's eco-minded homeowners and perhaps, your next home-buyer! (Next project - the kitchen!!)
Here's a quick link for current Tucson Homes for Sale with updated bathrooms, and remodeled bathrooms.
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